Rosalind Franklin and the DNA Double Helix: Unseen Magic in Science

• Author
• Recent Posts

Follow me

Michael Garcia Mujica

"Currer Bell is neither man nor woman, but an abstract thing, an artist."

• Michael Garcia Mujica, Lead Educator in Arts and Film History.

Echoing the sentiment about Charlotte Brontë's pseudonymous voice, Michael lends his expertise not only as a writer and visual artist but also as a Lead Educator in arts and film history. Based in Coral Gables, Florida, he is the principal of Vintage Brooks, Inc., where he passionately revitalizes the legacy of silent film star Louise Brooks. His acclaimed blog, Naked on My Goat, serves as a living tribute to Brooks's enduring influence in film, her profound writing, and her broad appreciation for the arts.

Just as Brontë made an indelible mark in literature despite the societal constraints of her time, Michael accentuates Brooks's trailblazing spirit within the film industry. In his role, he ensures that Brooks's iconic voice continues to resonate within the cultural lexicon of the 21st century, celebrating the intricate victories of women in the arts, both past and present.

Explore more about the abstract persona of Charlotte Brontë in Michael's piece, "The Abstract Persona: Understanding Charlotte Brontë's Pseudonymous Journey as Currer Bell."

“I am satisfied that if a book is a good one, it is so whatever the sex of the author may be. All novels are or should be written for both men and women to read, and I am at a loss to conceive how a man should permit himself to write anything that would be really disgraceful to a woman, or why a woman should be censured for writing anything that would be proper and becoming for a man.”

• Anne Brontë, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

Follow me

Latest posts by Michael Garcia Mujica (see all)

• Ctrl+Alt+LULU: A Tribute to Louise Brooks - November 20, 2024
• Louise Brooks: A Muse of Shadows and Light - November 14, 2024
• Lost Souls in the City of Dreams: Angelo Badalamenti’s Love Theme and the Fragile Illusions of Mulholland Drive - September 1, 2024

In the world of scientific discovery, where credit often mirrors a game of magical chairs, the story of Rosalind Franklin stands as a poignant reminder of overlooked brilliance. Her contribution to the discovery of the DNA double helix was as critical as it was underrecognized, echoing a familiar narrative for many women in science.

The Unseen Witch of DNA

Rosalind Franklin’s work, especially her X-ray diffraction images of DNA, was instrumental in decoding the molecule’s structure. Yet, this “witch’s brew” of genius remained largely unseen. Like a wise enchantress, Franklin meticulously captured the now-iconic Photo 51, holding the key to unraveling the double helix mystery. Her story resonates powerfully with Yoko Ono’s words: “I think that all women are witches, in the sense that a witch is a magical being. And a wizard, which is a male version of a witch, is kind of revered, and people respect wizards. But a witch, my god, we have to burn them. It’s the male chauvinistic society that we’re living in for the longest time, 3,000 years or whatever.” Franklin, much like the witches Ono describes, possessed a magical, yet undervalued, prowess in her scientific endeavors.

The Familiars: Watson, Crick, and Wilkins

Enter James Watson, Francis Crick, and Maurice Wilkins – figures akin to witches’ familiars in a fantastical tale. Awarded the Nobel Prize for their work on DNA, their achievements were inextricably linked to Franklin’s foundational insights. Nevertheless, the prevailing narrative of the time relegated her to a mere footnote, echoing the societal tendency to undervalue the “witches” among us, those women of remarkable intellect and capability.

A Twist in the Tale

Only later was Franklin’s pivotal role rightfully acknowledged. Her emerging story from historical shadows serves as a testament to the silent yet profound contributions of many women in science. It’s as if a spell has been lifted, revealing the true magic and might behind her scientific insights.

The Legacy of Franklin

Rosalind Franklin’s legacy, illuminated in the full light of history, stands as a beacon for future generations of women in science. It’s a reminder that behind celebrated discoveries often stand unsung heroes – or witches, in Ono’s empowering reclamation – whose contributions are indispensable to the enchantment of scientific breakthroughs. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of our world, let’s ensure that the narrative we weave acknowledges all contributors, celebrating the complete story of discovery as multifaceted and inclusive as the double helix itself.